NOT OKC, DURANT TO BE A WARRIOR
- Updated: July 4, 2016
Kevin Durant is signing for the Golden State Warriors in a landmark free agent deal.
The former NBA MVP confirmed he is to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder for the deposed champions, earning one of the largest salaries in league history.
Durant was courted by several teams, including the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, but announced his rationale for departing OKC in an article on The Players Tribune, entitled My Next Chapter.
“The primary mandate I had for myself in making this decision was to have it based on the potential for my growth as a player — as that has always steered me in the right direction,” said Durant who has agreed a two-year deal worth $54m, according to ESPN.
“But I am also at a point in my life where it is of equal importance to find an opportunity that encourages my evolution as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new city and community which offers the greatest potential for my contribution and personal growth.
“With this in mind, I have decided that I am going to join the Golden State Warriors.”
The Warriors, beaten by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals last month, are likely to be forced to let several players leave to accommodate Durant’s salary, including Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut.
Durant has spent all nine seasons of his NBA career with the Thunder, winning the MVP award in 2014. The seven-time All Star has featured in four Western Conference finals and one NBA Finals, losing in five games to the Heat in 2012.
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